It is a rare thing in the UK to have a touring production of a big musical running at the same time as the sit-down West End production, but Chicago is one such show which keeps the audience returning time-after-time.
Set in the city the show is named after, Chicago is a story of murder, passion, treachery and a hunger for fame. It originally opened on Broadway in the 1970’s and London’s current revival has just celebrated its 10th year. In 2002 it was made into a film starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere.
Jimmy Osmond, as Billy Flynn is a huge draw for the tour, and he doesn’t disappoint the legion of fans who have come out to see him. His voice is pitch perfect and very clear, but he seems too much of a nice guy to carry off the mean streak that the character demands. It wouldn’t have been too hard to imagine Osmond playing the “nice guy” character – Amos Hart, especially after you see him dance awkwardly around the stage.
Emma Barton as Roxie Hart is a true leading lady. Her voice is excellent and her mannerisms, particularly in “We Both Reached For The Gun” are excellent. Twinnie-Lee Moore as her counterpart Velma Kelly is not as strong. There are moments where she steals the limelight from Emma, but these moments are few and far between. She talked slightly too fast during some parts and other times her voice was inaudible (could be due to technical issues which were a problem on Monday night). Ms. Moores dancing skills however were excellent.
Wendy-Lee Purdy, as matronly Mamma Morton had a very powerful voice, but didn’t have the “attitude” that the role required. As a result, the character was over shadowed by the rest of the company. Adam Stafford however, as Roxie’s put-upon husband addressed the balance just right. His main solo number “Mr Cellophane” gained a good reaction from the audience. Stafford’s comic timing was also perfectly utilised and gained many a laugh.
The choreography, originally by Bob Fosse is sexy, suave and sophisticated, and dazzled everyone. The costumes added to the dark, smoky effect of being inside a jazz club, and the songs were fabulous. The ensemble were excellent - the dancing was particularly impressive.
Chicago is a musical were many of the songs are instantly recognisable and you can leave the theatre singing or humming to some of the tunes. The Cell Block Tango is one such tune. The 10 piece band who sit in a box on the stage, were outstanding. Sometimes, when watching other musicals, it is easy to forget that there is a full orchestra in the pit playing the music to the show, and so it was wonderful to seem them get the accolades they deserved.
As a show this production works very well. The production is on quite a small scale, which is perhaps one of the reasons why it has been running so long. If you are going to see the show to compare it to the film then you may be slightly disappointed – there is less colour and razzmatazz in the stage show. The songs and the choreography however, remain, and they are after all, what makes Chicago one of the most popular musicals.
7/10
Chicago is currently playing at the Empire theatre in Liverpool until Saturday 11th April, when it continues its UK tour
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